Buddhist News THE BUDDHIST UNION There were food, merchandise and THE MAHAPRAJNA game stalls set up by volunteers, BUDDHIST SOCIETY 81st Anniversary Celebration organisations and businesses at Level 1 to 6, to help raise funds for 2020 Class Enrolment People’s Study Society’s

Building and Reconstruction Fund. While the games went on, one could spend quiet time and space at Level 7’s Art Exhibition and Level 8 roof- top (temporary tentage) for Buddha Bathing, Flower and Light Offerings.

Social and Community Outreach

The Buddhist Union celebrated its st 81 Anniversary on 17 November Start young and be immersed in 2019. In accordance with the Bud- the benevolent teachings of the As part of outreach and community dhist teachings of compassion, Buddha. classes held service, PBSS Welfare and Charity donations totalling up to $100,000 every Sunday will start on 5 Jan Team invited and hosted some el- were made to the following chari- 2020 for: derly living alone at Yishun Khatib ties to help the needy in the areas Sec 1 to 4 (10am-12noon) and area, patients with mental disorder of education, healthcare and social K1 to Pri 6 (2-4pm). For more from Xiser CareServe; and children welfare: details, visit www.tmbs.org.sg. and youths from Marymount Centre 1. Buddhist Free Clinic respectively. They had lunch and 2. Maha Bodhi School Management PEOPLE’S BUDDHISM spent some time at the funfair there- Committee STUDY SOCIETY after. To make a contribution, please 3. Sakyadhita visit http://dazhong.sg. 4. Metta Welfare Association Building Fundraising Funfair 5. Singapore Buddhist Federation SINGAPORE BUDDHIST 6. Buddha of Medicine Welfare So- MISSION (YOUTH) ciety 7. The Kembangan-Chai Chee Se- HALLOWEEN FUN GATHERING niors Activity Centre 8. Institute of Mental Health 9. Inter-Religious Organisation, Sin- gapore (IRO)

Flower Adornment Repentance Recitation People’s Buddhism Study Society held a Building Fundraising Funfair on 17 November 2019, 9am-4pm. At the start of the morning, there was a Prayer and Sutra Recitation ses- sion, followed by a scheduled Dhar- ma Talk in the afternoon. In efforts to create more varied ac- tivities and to enliven gatherings, the Singapore Buddhist Mission In celebration of this blessed mile- (Youth) held a Halloween celebra- stone, The Buddhist Union also tion on 26 October 2019. There held in conjunction a 3-day Dharma were Buddhist sharings and movie Assembly where members of the screening, and the youths also took Sangha led the Prayer Recitation on the opportunity to exercise mindful- the Flower Adornment Repentance, ness they dressed in their favourite attended by many members and characters, while being mindful and devotees. respectful of the space they were in.

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p50 - News.indd 50 2019/11/22 15:11:34 EVENTS (SINGAPORE) OM CENTRE MILAREPA EXHIBITION

Milarepa. During the exhibition, 西藏人尊敬他。 Tibetans revere him. visitors were guided by volunteer 佛教徒受到他的启发。 Buddhists are inspired by him. exhibition guides where detailed 其他人对他很感兴趣。 Others are simply intrigued by him. explanations of each exhibit’s origin and significance were given, Jetsun Milarepa is an accomplished 11th century Buddhist practitioner and transporting visitors to the world poet, venerated by all Tibetan Buddhist Schools for his religious dedication where the Buddhist Master Milarepa and spiritual realisation. Perhaps best known through his biography, The once lived. Before the exhibition Life of Milarepa, the stories of Milarepa’s miracles have captivated the launch, For You Information imagination of readers for centuries. These miracles were performed not to interviewed Lama Dawa to find impress, but to challenge our perception of reality and to turn our minds to out more about the inspiration, seek answers to life’s many questions. motivation, concept and aspirations for this exhibition. For the first time in Singapore, Drikung Kagyu (Singapore) Om Centre held the Milarepa Exhibition from 26 October to 3 November 2019 at Nanyang Planting the Seed of the Dharma Poh Leng Hui Kuan, 10am to 6pm daily. Carefully curated by Lama Dawa, When asked why Milarepa was the Spiritual Advisor of Drikung Kagyu (S) Om Centre, Singapore is the third chosen as the central figure of stop of this exhibition tour. The exhibition made its debut in Bodhgaya, the exhibition, Lama Dawa did and was soon followed by a second successful reception in Taipei, Taiwan. not hesitate and candidly replied, On the day of its opening here in Singapore, Member of Parliament Fatimah “I was intrigued, and at the same Lateef graced the elaborate opening ceremony and delivered the opening time amazed by all the stories I address. Many Venerables of all three Buddhist traditions from various heard about Milarepa when I was centres and temples also attended to lend their support, and respective younger. My mother would tell us representatives also delivered their congratulatory speeches as well. stories of Milarepa, and it was not only her who would share those This unprecedented exhibition showcased amazing stories. In fact, Milarepa thoughtfully curated exhibits – artworks, ancient was a commonly revered household artefacts, records and pictures of places, where name.” Lama Dawa also shared that Milarepa meditated during his lifetime and even a as he grew older, his initial intrigue life-sized installation of the cave. Amongst them turned into curiousity, and later awe are rare photographs of his birthplace, ascetic and respect when he learnt about practice, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana the life story of Milarepa and how sites, providing a rare insight and authentic he became one of Tibet's most perspective of the life and accomplishments of famous and respected yogis and poets, serving as an example for These pieces of clothes belonged to Jetsun Milarepa. They came from the sacred mountain Lapchi and were placed in the treasure the Buddhist life. Milarepa was also chest from Lapchi. a student of Marpa Lotsawa, and

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p51- 53 EVENTS.indd 51 2019/11/22 15:12:24 a major figure in the history of the when his family fell from grace after the passing of his father. Things changed Kagyu School of , totally for Milarepa when his aunt and uncle usurped the estate his late dad and thus Lama Dawa always had left for the family and deprived his surviving mum, brother and him of the the thought of wanting to spread family's wealth. Angered by the betrayal, his mum encouraged him to learn Milarepa's life story as widely as sorcery and to take revenge, which he eventually did, causing the death of possible. However, what strikes 35 people at his cousin’s wedding. people most about Milarepa is not just how he was an accomplished Overcome by sorrow and regret, Milarepa went to seek teachings from practitioner and siddha1, capable of Marpa3, the Translator. Before Marpa would teach Milarepa, he had him astonishing feats but, the poignant undergo many tormenting trials, such as requesting him to build, demolish process of how he became one. and re-build three towers consecutively. Milarepa was asked to build one final multi-story tower (9-storey) at Lhodrag, which still stands today. Eventually, Through Lama Dawa’s interaction Marpa accepted him, explaining that the trials were skilful means to purify with disciples and the lay community, Milarepa's negative karma. In subsequently years, Marpa transmitted Tantric he had the idea of putting together an initiations and instructions to Milarepa, including "yogic heat" (tummo) exhibition on Milarepa considering and “aural transmissions” (snyan rgyud), and Mahamudra. Under Marpa’s how most people these days instruction, Milarepa practised solitary meditation in caves and mountain lead a busy, hectic life. Where an retreats, which, according to the biography, after many years of practice exhibition condensing the essence resulted in "a deep experiential realisation about the true nature of reality". of Milarepa’s life story, practice and Thereafter, he lived as a fully realised yogi, and eventually forgave his aunt, parinirvana would enable all visitors who caused the misfortune of his family. to learn more about the Great Yogi Milarepa and his remarkable This is what Lama Dawa wants to convey through the exhibition – the ability achievements in less time, and to transform from a “mere mortal” who has experienced loss, betrayal and receive the immeasurable benefits pain; and burdened by anger, vengeance and negative karma of killing, into of knowing about this most famous an enlightened being. He explained that Milarepa’s example is inspiration to Yogi of Tibet. persevere in one's practice – from the generation stage to completion stage in achieving Mahamudra, “the spontaneous realisation of the most profound nature of mind.” This portrays the "the rapid method of the Tantric path", in which liberation is gained in one lifetime.

Reflecting The Milarepa Exhibition was a photo exhibition, that narrated Milarepa’s life journey in a clockwise direction, depicting how Buddhism was understood and practised in Tibet in the fifteenth century as well as the ticking hands of There were scheduled sessions where Lama the clock of impermanence. The photos were also arranged in chronological Dawa personally gave the visitors a guided tour of the exhibition. order, bringing visitors back in time, to the sacred places connected to Milarepa. This included sites where Milarepa performed miraculous acts. Inspiring Motivation for The iconography were presented in the stylistic elements from the biography Practitioners of to portray Milarepa effectively as a Tibetan Buddha, "born and enlightened in Tibet, without going to India or receiving the direct instructions of an Indian master”.

And upon completing the tour of the exhibition, it was clear that despite all the references to the stages of generation and completion, and all of Milarepa’s meditation on the channels, winds, and drops, as he approaches the achievement of , his instructions to those he encounters continue to embody the core essence of Buddhist teachings: “Impermanence, The multi-story tower (9-storey) built by Mil- arepa, at Lhodrag. the sufferings of saṃsā̄ra, the certainty of death and the uncertainty of its arrival, the frightful that is the direct result of our benighted deeds.” Though born into a prosperous family western Tibet, Milarepa Milarepa’s life story exemplified that despite having committed grave later had a tumultuous childhood mistakes, “even one who has murdered thirty-five innocent people can, according to The Life of Milarepa2, through devotion to the teacher and the practice of the path, transform

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p51- 53 EVENTS.indd 52 2019/11/22 15:12:46 oneself into a perfect Buddha, where the Dharma is present everywhere The small birds filling the sky – Is one turns, where “everything in the outer world appears as scriptures,” and the spread of the Kagyu teachings. where the profane is sacred. Thus, these two parallel worlds, a profane world Its eyes gazing toward the and a sacred world, which are ultimately one, shows that the world itself is heavens – Are his waving good- sacred. bye to life’s round. The vulture’s flying off through space – Is his journey into liberation’s sanctum. The dream of the north is not inauspicious, what an excellent dream it is, Such have I told to you all gathered here. Ancient manuscripts, pictures and Mila (Me Thub Ma) a Milarepa As for your old father, my work is statue made by Lapchi Namkha Gyaltsen in early 15th century, that survived a fire in the temple unscathed. Me‘ Thub’ means ‘indestruc- completed. tible by fire’. Now, you disciples, your hour has come. In the centre of the exhibition hall lies an elevated platform showcasing If you pay attention to the words of ancient artefacts, manuscripts of The Life Story of Tilopa, The Life Story this old man now, of Naropa, The Life Story of Marpa and The Life Story of Gompopa, and The Life Story of Milarepa etc, reminding visitors of the deep guru-disciple The practice lineage teachings will connections. spread in the future.

At the four corners of the platform, marking the four cardinal directions are Going Beyond the Exhibition four pillars; depicting the prophecy Marpa had about Milarepa in The Life of It is the sincere wish of the Milarepa, when he interprets Milarepa’s famous dream of the four pillars, organisers and members of Drikung each surmounted by a different animal: a lion, a tigress, a garuda, and a Kagyu (Singapore) Om Centre that vulture. Marpa identifies the vulture that sits atop the pillar in the north to be the life and accomplishments of Milarepa, with the many small birds that fly above it his disciples. Buddhist Master Jetsun Milerapa do not remain just as a story in I dreamt to the north a great pillar was raised. our minds, but an inspiration in our I dreamt high on the pillar a vulture hovered. hearts as we strive to attain final, I dreamt the vulture’s plume fanned open wide. lasting liberation. I dreamt the vulture’s aerie was perched on a crag. I dreamt that unto the vulture a sole chick was born. I dreamt that the sky was filled with small birds. I dreamt that its eyes gazed toward the heavens. I dreamt that the vulture flew off into space. I recount my dream to the lama, the three-times buddhas.

The great pillar raised to the north – Is Milarepa of Gungtang. The vulture hovering high on the pillar – Means his character is like that of a vulture. The vulture’s plume fanned open wide – Is his reception of the aural transmission instructions. The vulture’s aerie perched high on a crag – Means his life force will be firmer than rock. The sole chick born unto the vulture – Is his one unrivaled son who will appear.

1 Siddha a term that means “one who is accomplished”, referring to perfected masters who have achieved a high degree of physical as well as spiritual perfection or enlightenment. Siddha may also refer to one who has attained a siddhi, paranormal capabilities. 2 The Life of Milarepa, translated by Andrew Quintman, Penguin Classics, 2010. 3 Marpa, the Translator (Marpa Lotsāwa) was a Tibetan Buddhist teacher credited with the transmission of many teachings from India, including the teachings and lineages of Mahamudra. Due to this the Kagyu lineage, which he founded, is often called Marpa Kagyu in his honour.

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p51- 53 EVENTS.indd 53 2019/11/22 15:13:09 FEATURE KWAN YIN CHAN LIN MEDITATION CENTRE SINGAPORE WEEKEND ZEN MEDITATION AND FASTING RETREAT (PART 2)

In Part 1 of “Weekend Zen Later, Seon Buddhism was made accessible and popular in the United Meditation and Fasting Retreat”, States by Seung Sahn, a Korean Seon Master of the Jogye Order and we shared that Kwan Yin Chan Lin founder of the international . He was the seventy- Zen Meditation Centre Singapore eighth Patriarch in his lineage. held a two-day retreat from 21- Benefits of Short Fasts 22 September 2019 – where the Neuroscientists have found that short participants were taught how to fasts when combined with exercise undertake a one-day fast to detox promotes longevity. Fasting and/or the body and mind that can be easily intermittent fasting has been found to incorporated into one’s lifestyle – in bring great advantages to the body – which they greatly benefitted from. extending from biological improvements Thus, in Part 2, we find out more to neurological benefits, especially about the benefits of short fasts, when combined with exercise. ‘Exercise and how one should approach it as and fasting both increase the production part of one’s Buddhist practice. of proteins in the brain that are called “neurotrophic factors”. These promote Korean Seon Buddhism the growth and connection of neurons. In Buddhism, fasting is not an Some of the changes in the brain that uncommon practice as it is occur with intermittent fasting also occur with vigorous exercise.’ known to be one of the methods to practise the initial stages of In Mark P Mattson’s2 ‘Why Fasting Bolsters Brain Power’ TEDx Speech3, he self-discipline so as to ultimately explained that research on energy restriction such as fasting, has positive achieve equanimity. Also, different impacts on the brain in the context of age-related neuro-degenerative traditions have different fasting disorders. There’s evidence from studies that fasting is good for the body, systems, ranging from abstinence as it not only reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in organ systems, from food after noon; intermittent but also helps with the body’s energy metabolism shifts to promote fat- fasting; and fasting complemented burning, especially in more affluent countries where the ‘normal’ diet and with meditation as part of the average calorie intake seems to consist of more than three meals a day training, also known as geumchok1 with snacks breaks. Mark explains, “It isn’t that it’s the healthiest eating in Korean Chan Buddhism (Korean pattern. That’s just my opinion but I think there’s a lot of evidence to support Seon Buddhism). One of the that. There’s a 5:2 diet where you only eat 500 calories daily for 2 days a main features of Korean Seon is week and the other 5 days you eat normally. Or, there’s evidence that if a method of meditation referred you restrict the time window that you eat each day to 8 hours or less, that’s to as Ganhwa Seon (看话禅). long enough to shift the energy metabolism and there are health benefits.” A Korean monk, Jinul accepted partially a meditative method of Fasting in Buddhism Chan Buddhism in 1205. In Chan Then, other than the health and physiological benefits that fasting can bring Buddhism, hwadu (话头) was a about, the concept of fasting in Buddhism is perhaps more than a “mere” delivery of realising a natural state physical undertaking for the sake of health – there is more to it than the of the Awakening – the witnessing act of fasting. And there are a variety of attitudes towards different forms of of truthful meaning in everyday life. fasting. The Buddha is known to have practised extreme forms of fasting

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p54 55 FEATURE.indd 54 2019/11/22 14:26:47 which led to his emaciation and to have famously abandoned it before his Nevertheless, different forms of great awakening. fasting are practised in different Buddhist traditions, and regardless Thus, he instead focused on practising mindfulness while eating, a practice of the traditions, they are all he recommended to both monastics and laypersons. According to Analayo, deeply connected to The Four this practice connects the second and third satipatthanas (foundations Noble Truths5 and the Eightfold of mindfulness), that of mindfulness of hedonic tones (vedana) and Path6. “How so?”, one may ask. mindfulness of the mind (citta) respectively. This allows one to understand Perhaps, the excerpt below from how sensual craving arises out of worldly pleasant feelings, and gain insight Breakthrough Sermon can help into the very nature of sensuality (and thus lead to its cessation)4.However, shed some light, using the physical the Buddha did end up recommending that monastics not eat anything after act of stupa circumambulation noon. This practice could be considered a kind of intermittent fasting, which to explain the lesser known (and restricts eating to a specific time period. understood) approach to fasting.

Long ago, there was a buddha named Dipamkara, so that they’re not distracted or disturbed. And to ob- or Lamp-Lighter. This was the meaning of his name. serve means to uphold, to uphold the rules of disci- but fools don’t understand the metaphors of the Ta- pline according to the Dharma. Fasting means guard- thagata. Persisting in delusions and clinging to the ing against the six attractions on the outside and the tangible, they light lamps of vegetable oil and think three poisons on the inside, and striving through con- that by illuminating the interiors of buildings, they’re templation to purify your body and mind. following the Buddha’s teaching. How foolish! The light released by a buddha from the urna between his To the practitioner who practices fasting, there are brows can illuminate countless worlds. An oil lamp is five kinds of food. First, there’s delight in the Dharma. no help. Or do you think otherwise? This is the delight that comes from acting in accor- dance with the Dharma. The second is harmony in Practising all six periods of the day and night means meditation. This is the harmony of body and mind constantly cultivating enlightenment among the six that comes from seeing through subject and object. senses and persevering in every form of awareness. The third is invocation, the invocation of buddhas with Never relaxing mindfulness over the six senses is both your mouth and your mind. The fourth is resolu- what’s meant by all six periods. tion, the resolution to pursue virtue whether walking, standing, sitting or lying down. And the fifth is libera- As for circumambulations around stupas, the stupa tion, the liberation of your mind from worldly contami- is your body and mind. When your awareness circles nation. These are the five foods of fasting. Unless a your body and mind without stopping, this is called person eats these five pure foods, he’s wrong to think circumambulation around a stupa. The sages of long he’s fasting. ago followed this path to , but people today don’t understand what this means. Instead of look- Also, for some time, you have stopped eating the ing inside they insist on looking outside. They use food of delusion, but thereafter touch it again, you their material bodies to walk around material stupas. break your fast. And once you break it, you reap no And they keep at it (circumambulating) day and night, blessing from it. The world is full of deluded people wearing themselves out in vain and coming no closer who don’t see this. They indulge their body and mind to their real self. in all manner of evil. They give free rein to their pas- sions and have no shame. And when they stop eating The same holds true for observing a fast. It’s useless ordinary food, they call it fasting. How absurd! unless you understand what this really means. To fast means to regulate, to regulate your body and mind by Bodhidharma - 菩提达摩《破相论》

Information Credits: Kwan Yin Chan Lin and Zen Mirror 128/04/2015 1. Suroso Mun, The Seon Way for a Purposeful Life, 2012, pp. 91, 214-218. 2. Mark P. Mattson is an Adjunct Faculty Professor of Neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore. He also works in the Neurosci- ence Lab of the U.S. National Institute on Aging. 3. “Why Fasting Bolsters Brain Power: Mark P Mattson at TEDxJohnsHopkinsUniversity” via YouTube. 4. Bhikkhu Anālayo, Food and Insight, Insight Journal, 2019. 5. The : existence is suffering; suffering has a cause, namely craving and attachment; there is a cessation of suffering, which is nirvana; and there is a path to the cessation of suffering. 6. The Eightfold Path: of right views, right resolve, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

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p54 55 FEATURE.indd 55 2019/11/22 14:27:07 COVER STORY AVALOKITESHVARA SBFC Golden Jubilee Celebration & Yue Opera Charity Show

On 9-10 November 2019, the scene saw the two princesses (Miao Yin and Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic Miao Yuan) sharing their displeasure of how (SBFC) presented the highly their sister (Princess Miao Shan) had been anticipated Yue Opera, Guan Shi showered with more love and care than them, Yin – Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, by their father, King Miao Zhuang. On the other as part of its Golden Jubilee hand, the compassionate Miao Shan, who celebrations and fundraising for spents most of her time reading scriptures and its new clinic in Tampines. Held at learning about the Dharma loves them dearly, the Esplanade, this opera is an and even thought that they would help her original work created by Zhoushan persuade their father to put a stop to the battles scriptwriters and performed by the he waged in attempts to gain more land, power Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe from and control. Unbeknown to her, they had plans Zhoushan, Zhejiang Zhoushan Art to make her lose favour, and thus, when she told her father her birthday wish Theatre, China. The performance of peace for all, they betrayed her and accused her of calling her father a ran for two days with the 2000 seat greedy and cruel person. Upon hearing this, he flew into a rage and kept tickets being sold out as soon as it her in isolation, and suggested for her to get married. When she refused, he was on sale. Led by Hu Zhigang, the drove her out of the palace into a temple, hoping that depriving her of royal performing team comprised over 70 luxury would create hardship for her, and make her change her mind. staff members, including performers, support crew and publicists. ENTERING THE DHARMA DOOR At the temple, she enjoyed the simplicity of life and OBJECTING TO MARRIAGE did all the chores ungrudgingly, which worried the Set in ancient China, the opening Abbot as she was aware of what King Miao Zhuang wanted – Miao Shan to return to the palace. Thus, she set an impossible task for Miao Shan to achieve; to fill to two leaky buckets with water or to return to the palace. However, Miao Shan was adamant, and lo and behold, the Emperor continued to force her to return to the palace and fulfill the arranged marriage with General Wei Tuo. Miao Shan expressed her desire to remain in the temple to pursue and practise the Dharma, and wanted nothing to do with mundane marriage and palace life.

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p56 57 Cover Story.indd 56 2019/11/22 15:16:33 SACRIFICING SELF TO SAVE THE SANGHA

Hurt, and feeling challenged by his disobedient daughter, he decided to use force to make her accede to his demand. He sent military troops to burn down the temple, and take the Sangha as hostage in an effort to emotionally blackmail Miao Shan. Tormented by her father’s cruel ways, and feeling remorseful for the harm she caused to the temple and the Sangha, she took her own life hoping that with her death, all the violence inflicted upon the Sangha and the temple would end.

EMPATHISING WITH ALL SENTIENT BEINGS

and the obstacles she endured, she became a bodhisattva (Guan Shi Yin). Meanwhile, her father had lost his crown, power and wealth and wanted to seek blessings and help from the famous bodhisattva without After Miao Shan’s death, Yanluo, The King of Hell received instructions from knowledge of whom she actually the Buddha to receive Miao Shan, and at the same time arrange for her to was. Upon meeting, her father tour the Hell realm. Witnessing the endless pain and torment, and hearing and two sisters expressed their the haunting cries of the suffering deceased, her initial shock, fear and grief regrets and misgivings, and Guan turned into boundless compassion and aspiration in wanting to help all Shi Yin without hesitation, forgave sentient beings. them. This full circle of family ties mended and Guan Shi Yin attaining ATTAINING COMPLETE REALISATION complete realisation concluded the With her sincere and whole- entire performance with a closure of hearted aspiration and compassion and repentance. Lastly, motivation in wanting to help it reminds us of the impermanent liberate all sentient beings, nature of things in life; the poisons of the Buddha arranged for her the ego; ignorance and grasping; the to return to life to practise suffering beyond the human realm; and propagate the Dharma. and at the same time, presents the Through years of practise hope of complete realisation for all.

Behind-the-Scenes

Yue Opera, is known to be the second most popular style singing, as compared to the other forms of opera that rely of Chinese opera after the world-renowned Peking Opera, mostly on traditional acrobatics, martial arts or dancing. and is no simple feat with close to 360 opera genres in Complementing this is the use of more natural make- China. Also, characterised by all-female troupes, Yue up, softer costume textures and usage of cleaner and Opera is also perhaps regarded as more modern, with its simpler colour blocks – culminating in a more elegant fresh artistic direction, graceful footwork and more lively and contemporary theatrical feel. Photo credit: Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic

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p56 57 Cover Story.indd 57 2019/11/22 15:18:17 Special FRAGRANCE CLINGS TO THE HAND THAT GIFTS ROSES DHARMA TEACHING BY PALCHEN RINPOCHE – PEMA RINCHEN – On 19-21 September 2019, the 10th Kagyu Monlam1, organised by Kagyu Monlam Singapore (supported by Buddhist Life Mission (Singapore), Benchen Karma Cheoling Singapore, Zurmang Kagyu Buddhist Centre and Gangkar Samdup Buddhist Association) was held at the Singapore Federation Clan Association. The Presiding Master was Palchen (Ba Jin) Rinpoche. After this 3-day grand puja, Palchen Rinpoche also accepted an interview with For You Information, on the theme of “forming goodwill and affinity with others”.

Right at the beginning, he used the proverb “Fragrance clings to the hand that gifts roses.” He followed by explaining how when one gifts someone else a rose, the fragrance of the rose leaves an imprint on the gifting hand. This act not only benefits others, but indirectly creates a positive impact on self too, especially so if done with altruism. And this is the key to forming good affinities with others – for the purpose of benefitting all sentient beings. This is the core and key element of compassion, and Rinpoche further explained that since Buddhism speaks of compassion, we must be mindful in what we do with our body, speech and mind, and always have consideration for others.

Forming Goodwill and Affinity Buddhism also talks about cause and effect, and reincarnation, the Buddha said in Brahma Net Sutra (Bhramajala Sutra), “All men are my father; all women are my mother, and I am born from all. Therefore, all beings in the six realms are my parents." So, from beginning-less time, all sentient beings have been one’s own parents. Therefore, every Buddhist should benefit all sentient beings through the forming of good and positive affinity with others (with goodwill), so that the world becomes a pure land of peace without any conflict. In life, a smile, a good thought, a good deed, and even being steadfast in learning from others are all different ways to form goodwill and affinity. As a Buddhist, every time you give alms or offering; every time you dedicate your merits; every time you give rise to Bodhicitta; and every time you uphold The and The Ten Good Deeds; is an opportunity and also a skilful way to build goodwill and affinity. To make this even more complete, one can plant the Buddha Dharma seed with those with affinity, by sharing Buddhist teachings and concepts such as The Triple Gems, cause-and-effect, the benefits of making aspirations, and leading them with knowledge and wisdom.

Making Life More Complete with the Buddha Dharma Rinpoche also said that Singapore is a treasure land – peaceful, inclusive and prosperous, with most people living here able to experience various forms of stability. He hopes that the disciples in Singapore can better promote the Dharma, and one of the ways through which they can try to do so is to connect the Dharma with the present science and philosophy, so that everyday mundane living can be enriched by spiritual nourishment to make life even more complete, beyond the material sense.

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p58 59 Special.indd 58 2019/11/22 14:28:22 Approach Everything with Ease Let Clarity Emerge In relation to modern pace of life and its demands as well Lastly, Rinpoche used the imagery of a cup of water as spiritual aspirations, Rinpoche shared his personal clouded with sediments and impurities, when the water perspective: whether it is work or life, even spiritual is constantly stirred or disturbed, it will remain murky. But practice or meditation, he emphasised that one should if you allow the water to settle, over time, little by little, not be too nervous, anxious or eager to seek success. the sediments and impurities will settle to the bottom and One should always be relaxed or be in a state without the water will soon be clear. Similarly, when your mind is tension – this is crucial as only when one is at ease, constantly in tension, you will never be able to see your in balance and without feeling pressure, one is able to true nature, but once, but once it is quiet, there emerges experience one’s true nature – the Buddha nature. the self, like the clear water.

Love. Compassion. Rejoicing. Equanimity.

1Monlam – The Path of Aspiration The Tibetan word, “Mon- Sonam Zangpo Palchen Rinpoche was born in lam” can be translated “Path of Aspiration”. Nangchen, Qinghai. He is recognised by Jamgon Many aspiration prayers Tai Situ Rinpoche as the reincarnation of Sonam are recited during the Zangpo Rinpoche. The previous Sonam Zangpo Kagyu Monlam. The main Rinpoche was the Lama of late Kyabje Drubwang prayer is what is known as the “King of Aspiration Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche, who had spent his life in Prayers” or “Samantabhadra Wishing Prayer”. It is part of retreat. a large collection of the words of the Buddha preserved in the Kanjur. Since young, the present Palchen Rinpoche followed 2 The King of Aspiration Prayers centers around the Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche to Gongya Monastery supremely altruistic wish that we attain enlightenment (Gong Ya Si), where he received many precious in order to lead all beings to enlightenment. When empowerments, scriptural transmissions and oral everyone gathered at the Kagyu Monlam recites the instructions. Later, Jamgon Tai Situ Rinpoche prayer, its power is increased a hundred thousand or more times. This contributes to the well-being and bestowed him with the Bodhisattva vow and the Three spiritual development of all sentient beings and helps Levels of Ordination. After which, Palchen Rinpoche them reach enlightenment. entered a three-year retreat at Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche's retreat centre, where he practised with 2Gong Ya Si – Grand Prayer Puja and Reconstruction great diligence the Profound Naro Chodruk and the of Dharma Hall The Grand Prayer Puja for World Peace would be held generation and completion stages. Jamgon Kontrul during 19-25 November 2019. This year, Palchen (Ba Rinpoche also transmitted him with the Pointing- Jin) Rinpoche made the aspiration to make 10,000 Out instructions of the Mahamudra. Before Sangye Statues of Marpa (18cm in height) and offer them to all Tenzin Rinpoche passed into Nirvana, he entrusted the attending Sangha members. The translator Marpa is an important lineage holder of the Kagyu lineage in Palchen Rinpoche with all his responsibilities. In his Tibetan Buddhism. During this year’s Puja, similar to the own words, "Palchen is my representative and he previous years’, offerings of meals to Sangha members, is of great benefit to Dharma teachings. Thus, the lamp offering, obstacle-clearing puja and puja for the Chogyur Lingpa's prophecy will be fulfilled along deceased would be made. Also, Gongya Monastery continues its efforts in rebuilding its Dharma, and more with the wishes of myself ". information is available at its website.

Information and Photo Credits: Gong Ya Monastery and Kagyu Monlam Singapore http://www.gongyasi.org and https://www.kagyumonlam.com.sg

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p58 59 Special.indd 59 2019/11/22 14:28:42 FORUM 5th WORLD BUDDHIST KULAPATI FORUM DHARMA PROPAGATION IN THE ERA OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE - BY WONG HAN JUAN AND PEMA RINCHEN –

the Dharma be adjusted to meet the needs of modern people?”

Encouraging Humanistic Education At the "Dharma Propagation and Education" session, Venerable Dr. The 5th World Buddhist Kulapati Forum was held on 8-10 November 2019 Pornchai Palawadhammo from at A‘Famosa Resort, Malacca, Malaysia. Themed "Dharma Propagation Thailand pointed out that although in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI)", it attracted 500 attendees from all artificial intelligence affects our over the world, comprising Buddhists, members of the Sangha and public. way of life, the true meaning of The organiser, Malaysia Buddhist Kulapati Association invited 22 Venerable Dharma will never change. Young Masters, experts and scholars from both home and abroad to participate people are the pillars of society. And in lectures and discussions on various topics, such as organisational increasingly, many are becoming management and sustainable management, and to Dharma propagation, outreach and education. These also included technology and innovation, addicted to the virtual world of social culture, arts and youth, as well as charity and social justice. media platforms through readily available and accessible modes Technological Evolution and the Buddha Dharma such as mobile phones. Although In today’s technologically driven world, the advent of artificial intelligence this trend is worrying, we are better being part and parcel of life is not only undeniably important but unstoppable off using artificial intelligence to impacting many aspects of our lives. A double-edged sword, this modernity has repackage the Dharma and make changed the lifestyle of people who have evolved to become global citizens, Dharma more attractive than resist like it or not, with influences coming from all directions in unprecedented this trend. Venerable also showed speed and seemingly borderless territories – be it good or bad. In particular, two animation videos depicting the these technological advances coupled with other evolving societal norms heaven and hell realms taught in the and circumstances have caused the values of modern young people to Dharma. The animation is a good change as well, and many are fearful that the young may not only enjoy the example of how modern production benefits of technology but also succumb to the stressors of the fast-paced techniques, music arrangement and lifestyle, increased time on social media, reduced time spent in nature and screenplay can be combined with the outdoors, and even perhaps interacting with people face-to-face. the Buddha Dharma – the adoption of innovative ways to promote Thus, it is unsurprising and inevitable that one of the pressing issues for the Buddhism alongside the evolution Buddhist community on hand is, “How can the promotion and education of of the times.

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p60 61 FORUM.indd 60 2019/11/22 15:20:56 Dr. Wong Sien Biang, the First of . Vice-President of the Pahang Buddhist Association (彭亨佛教会) Making Aspects of Buddhism in Malaysia, used the case study of Part of Everyday Life Mentakab Sunday Dharma Class to propose a new way for Dharma class to be a channel for learning and practising. According to Dr. Wong's research and analysis, the number of teachers and students in the Mentakab Dharma Class is not only stable but also reached a self- sustaining momentum. Many young people have long-term classes there, and these students have performed well, and upon entry to college, they continue to participate in the Buddhist Society.

In addition, the teachers also have a sense of mission in the education Indian Bollywood actor and director, of Buddhism, are actively engaged and selfless. These Dharma classes Dr. Gagan Malik changed his life adopt the concept of deep learning to build a community of learners, with after he starred in the Sri Lankan an emphasis in not just rigor in Dharma knowledge but focus on achieving film, The Buddha. He not only humanistic literacy through; reading, application of knowledge and skills became a Buddhist, but also actively learnt, understanding the real needs of people, and promotion of public promotes the Dharma since then. In and social good. Dr. Wong believes that only through the improvement of this forum, he shared his personal humanistic literacy can social progress be made. spiritual journey, highlighting how power of the media cannot be Promoting People-Oriented Teaching ignored. In particular, movies though Then, in a similar stand concerning seen as a common and popular education, at the "Culture, Arts and form of entertainment, possesses Youth" form, Dr. Kwong Djee Chan, an inherent potential to exert a a medical educator from Australia, great influence and outreach. We proposed that under the challenge of can promote the Dharma through the continued decline of the Buddhist film, so that more people can be faith population, youth education is nourished by the Dharma. He also undoubtedly an important key to the mentioned that young people love future development of Buddhism. to play computer games, and it is Dr. Kwong has decades of a trend that cannot be avoided. experience in Dharma propagation, Instead of stopping them, it will and in the recent years, he has promoted the Contemplative Pedagogy in be better to develop educational the Australian Medical School, developed the MaRIS teaching model, and games and schools can cultivate focused on this people-oriented teaching method, hoping to provide a mirror students' compassion, respect for for Dharma propagation for the youth. MaRIS contains the following elements: equality and good values through 1. M=Mindfulness; extracurricular activities. 2. aR=Affective Reflection; 3. I=Impactive Experience; He disclosed his upcoming plan to 4. S=Supportive Learning Environment. produce a film based on , and to tell the story of how Ashoka, as a He explained that this set of teaching methods is deeply inspired and Buddhist advocated the Dharma in influenced by the Dharma. The goal is to develop a strong teacher-student the interest of all sentient beings. relationship (TSR) and so as to let them gain the most out of their learning. He concluded, “As long as you have He also suggested that in this generation where artificial intelligence co- a beautiful heart, everything will be exists, we need to pay more attention to the needs of humanity, and potential beautiful.”

60 For You Information 佛友资讯 61

p60 61 FORUM.indd 61 2019/11/22 15:21:20 Poetry INSPIRATION FROM ENLIGHTENED NUNS THE TEACHINGS OF THE POEMS – SUSAN ELBAUM JOOTLA –

The Danger in Attachment to One’s is already, if invisibly, starting to grow thought of losing her so soon, gave her Beauty dim; the firmness of limbs is withering; permission to ordain. So, already an In ancient times as well as at present, the smoothness of skin is wrinkling. arahant, she was ordained — one of women in all stations of life have used Impermanence and de- cay, Ambapali the very rare cases of a human being various means to enhance their beauty reminds us, is the nature of all bodies who had achieved Arahatship before and to hide the signs of advancing age. and of everything else in the universe as entering the Sangha. Khema had clearly This, however, is just a futile attempt to well. built up truly unique paramis by giving pretend that the body is not growing old, great gifts to earlier Buddhas and by to keep it from showing outwardly that it Khema, the queen of King Bimbisara, learning their teachings thoroughly. is actually falling apart. But if, instead of was another woman who had been creams and lotions, wisdom is applied enthralled with her own beauty prior to the aging process, it can deepen our to meeting the Buddha. But Khema understanding of impermanence on all had made a vow before one of the levels. earlier Buddhas to become great in wisdom under the Buddha Gotama. Ambapali was a wealthy and beautiful During the dispensations of several courtesan during the time of the Buddha. of the intervening Buddhas, she had Before she heard the Buddha preach, parks made which she donated to each her main concern had been to cultivate Buddha and his Sangha. and maintain her renowned beauty. With the Buddha’s guidance, she was able to But in her final lifetime Khema strongly face the inevitability of aging and the resisted going to see the Buddha loss of her beauty and to comprehend Gotama. Perhaps her “Mara forces” the suffering of old age. Her verses can were making a last effort to keep her in “We of the 20th century who are seeking to attain also stimulate our own understanding: samsara. They were, however, doomed liberation will find ourselves deeply grateful to to fail since by the force of her merits these fully awakened Buddhist nuns of for their My eyes were shining, very brilliant this was to be her final existence. King profound assistance in illuminating the Dhamma like jewels, very black and long. Bimbisara almost had to trick her into for us in their own personal ways.” Overwhelmed by old age, they do not going to the Buddha because Queen - Susan Elbaum Jootla look beautiful. Khema was so attached to her looks Not otherwise is the utterance of the and was afraid that this would provoke This story is related in the Commentary speaker of truth… the Buddha’s disapproval. If we ever to the Dhammapada, translated as find ourselves resisting the Dhamma, Buddhist Legends by E. W. Burlingame, Formerly my hands looked beautiful, we can use Khema’s example to remind published by the Pali Text Society. possessing delicate signet rings, ourselves of the temporary nature of decorated with gold. this mental state. Then we will not take Here again, we see the great importance Because of old age they are like it as a major personal fault. Mind’s old of creating in the present, strong good onions and radishes. habits are not pure, so at times it is kamma based on wisdom, even if we Not otherwise is the utterance of the bound to struggle against the process of do not attain any of the paths or fruits speaker of the truth… purification. in this lifetime. The more good deeds accompanied by wisdom that we do Formerly my body looked beautiful, But the Buddha knew how to tame now, the easier will it be when the like a well-polished sheet of gold. Khema’s vanity and conceit. He created time actually comes for us to reach the (Now) it is covered with the vivid image of a woman even more goal. Meditation is, of course, the most very fine wrinkles. attractive than she was. When she valuable of such deeds. Not otherwise is the utterance of the came into his presence, Khema saw speaker of the truth… this other lady fanning the Buddha. In the Therigatha, Khema’s poem takes Then, before the queen’s very eyes, the form of a conversation with Mara, the Such was this body. the Buddha made the beautiful image being who controls and symbolises the (Now) it is decrepit, grow older and older until she was forces of evil. Mara praised her beauty, the abode of many pains, just a decaying bag of bones. Seeing and her reply shows how totally her view an old house with its plaster fallen off. this, first Khema realised that her own of herself and of life had changed now Not otherwise is the utterance of the beauty was not unmatched. This broke that she fully understood the true nature speaker of the truth. her pride. Second and more importantly, of things: she understood that she herself would (vv. 257, 264, 266, 270) likewise have to grow old and decrepit. Through this body vile, foul seat of disease and corruption, Ambapali sees how all the body’s The Buddha next spoke a verse and Loathing I feel, and oppression. charms give way to ugliness and Khema became a stream-enterer. Then Cravings of lust are uprooted. pain as the aging process takes its in rapid succession, she went through Lusts of the body and mind toll, as the Buddha teaches it must. all the stages of enlightenment to attain cut like daggers and javelins. All physical beauty, no matter how Arahatship on the spot. Thereupon, the perfect it might seem at one youthful Buddha told King Bimbisara that she moment, is utterly impermanent. Even would either have to ordain or to pass Illustration Credit: Foreword by Susan Elbaum at its peak, the brilliance of the eyes away, and the king, unable to bear the Jootla in Inspiration from Enlightened Nuns

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p62-63 Poetry.indd 62 2019/11/22 14:29:47 Speak not to me of delighting was again castrated, and as a bullock and effects working themselves out, in any sensuous pleasure! pulled a plow anda cart. Then, as the without any lasting being committing All such vanities cannot delight me worst of that evil kamma’s results had deeds or experiencing results. The anymore. already ripened, Isidasi returned to infinite sequence of lifetimes steeped in the human realm. But it was still an ignorance and suffering is repeated over (p. 83) uncertain kind of birth as she was the and over until accumulated paramis and hermaphroditic child of a slave. That life present wisdom, aided by other factors, Then, she identifies Mara with those who too did not last long. Next, she was the become sufficiently strong to enable one believe that mere ritual observances daughter of a man oppressed by debts. to see through the craving which has will lead to mental purification. Khema One of her father’s creditors took her in perpetually propelled the succession states that such people, who worship lieu of payment. She became the wife of aggregates. Through this process fire or the constellations, etc., are of that merchant’s son, but she “brought these bhikkhunis clearly perceived ignorant of reality and cannot eliminate discord and enmity within that house”. that their attachments and aversions their defiling tendencies through such were the source of all their suffering. practices. This is why the belief that rites In her final lifetime, no matter how hard Because of this insight, they were able and rituals can bring about liberation she tried, no home she was sent to as a to dissolve the knots of old delusion- has to be eliminated to attain even the bride would keep her more than a brief based conditioning. stage of stream-entry. while. Several times, her virtuous father had her married to appropriate suitors. Khema concludes her verses with an She tried to be the perfect wife, but each exclamation of deep gratitude to the time she was thrown out. This inability Buddha, the supreme among men. Her to remain with a husband created an last line is a resounding “lion’s roar”: opportunity for her to break through the cycle of results. After her third marriage (I am) utterly free from all sorrow, disintegrated, she decided to enter the A doer of the Buddha’s teachings. Sangha. All her mental defilements were eliminated by meditation, insight into the (pp. 3-4) Four Noble Truths matured, and Isidasi became an arahant. Khema had “done”, i.e., put into practice, the message of all the Buddhas, and She also developed the ability to see her this had taken her beyond the realms of past lives and thus saw how this whole suffering. causal chain of unwholesome deeds committed long ago brought their results Kamma and Its Fruits in her successive existences: Let us look at a poem in which a bhikkhuni describes in detail a few of her Fruit of my kamma was it previous lives and shows her questioner thus that they how she comprehended the law of In this last life have slighted me kammic cause and effect working out even though I waited on them as their With their completed understanding behind her present-life experiences. humble slave. of suffering, the First Noble Truth, and “Enough! Of all that now have I made the abandoning of craving, the Second Isidasi had built up many good paramis an end.” Noble Truth, their practice of the Noble long ago during the times of former Eightfold Path, the Fourth Noble Truth, Buddhas. But some seven lifetimes (p. 163) was perfected. They attained the back, when she was a young man, she cessation of suffering, the Third Noble had committed adultery. After passing The last line of her poem puts the past, Truth, in that very lifetime, and were away from that existence Isidasi had to rebirth and all its sufferings, completely never reborn again. suffer the results of this immoral action: behind with a “lion’s roar”: “Enough! Of all that now have I made an end.” The poems of these enlightened Therefrom deceasing, nuns, telling how they came to meet long I ripened in Avici hell In Isidasi’s tale we have several the Buddha, how they had built up And then found rebirth in the body of instructive illustrations of the inex- orable wisdom and other meritorious kamma an ape. workings of the law of kamma. The over many previous lives, how they suffering she had to undergo because of understood the Buddha’s teachings, Scarce seven days I lived before the sexual misconduct lasted through seven and how they attained Arahatship, great Dog-ape, difficult lives. But the seeds of wisdom offer us inspiration and guidance. They the monkey’s chief, castrated me. had also been sown and when the can help us present-day Buddhists to Such was the fruit of my lasciviousness. force of the bad kamma was used up, practice Vipassana meditation and to the powerful paramis she had created gain insight into suffering and its causes. Therefrom deceasing in the woods of earlier bore their fruit. Hence, Isidasi Then we too will be able to give up all Sindh, was able to become a bhikkhuni, purify craving by developing wisdom. We can Born the offspring of a one-eyed goat her mind perfectly, and so eliminate all use the messages of the theris to assist And lame, twelve years a gelding, possible causes of future suffering. us in putting an end to our own suffering. gnawn by worms. The beginning, the middle, and the Unfit, I carried children on my back. ending of every life are always due to Grateful for their assistance, may we Such was the fruit of my lasciviousness. causes and conditions. all follow in the footsteps of these great nuns, true daughters of the Buddha. (p. 157) We have now come full circle with these May our minds be perfect in wisdom, stories of the theris and have returned perfectly pure, and utterly free from all The next time she was born a calf and to the theme of impersonal causes possibility of future suffering.

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p62-63 Poetry.indd 63 2019/11/22 14:30:09 Travel SIKKIM THE NEW FRONTIER FOR BUDDHIST TOURISM? (PART 2) - DR. KALINGA SENEVIRATNE -

Tashi Densapa, Director, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT), explained in the interview that NIT has an extensive library of ancient Tibetan , and it is the one out of the only three such institutes in the world and it is financially supported by the government. The NIT came into being when the visited India for the Buddha Jayanthi in 1956 and met then-Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. According to Tashi, it was agreed at that point to establish this institute and library to safeguard ancient Tibetan Buddhist texts. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT)

Government-funded guest house ready to be opened by the Chief Minister He also pointed out, “Why the Dalai Lama says we are the true Nalanda tradition is because the entire teachings of the Buddha has been preserved in Tibet,” is because much of the authentic Buddhist texts have been preserved in Tibetan and the 108 volumes of it is available at the NIT. In addition, NIT has started a degree program in Buddhist Studies as well as another five-year medical degree programme in ‘Sowarigpa’ – Tibetan Science of Healing.

At the same time, the Indian government is showing clear signs of assisting the Buddhists of Sikkim to preserve its Buddhist heritage and display it to the world. When I visited the former Royal Palace on top of a hill in Gangtok, its colourful monastery and adjoining buildings are being renovated. Devotees were attending an early morning puja with young lamas chanting from texts accompanied by temple music. Young lamas waiting to greet Chief Minister at Phodong Monastery

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p64-65 Travel.indd 64 2019/11/22 14:31:34 At Phodong Monastery, which is about a two-hour drive paintings depicting the Buddha’s life story in north of Gangtok through winding scenic roads dotted style temple paintings, while at the entrance you are with waterfalls and old bridges on the way, I attended an greeted with colourful Tibetan style paintings. opening ceremony of a newly built guest house, which was declared open by the Chief Minister. A kilometre Situated adjacent to Rabong Gompa, a centuries old up the hill was Labrang Monastery whose colourful wall place of pilgrimage, and opened in 2013 by the Dalai paintings were being retouched, while little lamas were Lama, ‘Buddha Park’ is intended to be a major stop in playing football in the courtyard. This monastery belongs the ‘Himalayan Buddhist Circuit’ and there are many to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the same hotels surrounding the complex including one built by as that of Pemayangste Monastery in west Sikkim. the complex itself.

Pemayangste Monastery is one of the premier institutions of Sikkim Buddhism from where you could see on an adjoining mountain top ruins of an ancient palace of a Buddhist King. The monastery itself runs a school, a cooperative and many other community services. Its Abbot Venerable Yapo told me he badly needs the support of the international community to expand these services to empower the Buddhist community.

Over an hour’s drive from there is ‘Buddha Park’, a space adorned with a towering 42-metre high Buddha statue made with 60 tonnes of copper and 3.5 kilograms of gold. Surrounded by the Himalayan ranges, the complex that revolves around the enormous Buddha statue designed by a master sculpture from Bhutan, creates a serene atmosphere. The complex incorporates both and Theravada elements with relics enshrined there, with origins from , Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam. Japan and South Korea. Inside the shrine room under the Buddha statue is a spiral stairway with

Scenic waterfall by the road in northern Sikkim

Sikkim is an attractive travel destination for the adventurous, however, its roads can be a bit treacherous especially during the rainy season after heavy downpours. Yet with its stunning scenery in the mountain ranges of the Himalayas through winding roads and passes, with rivers, waterfalls and many colourful Buddhist monasteries on the way, it’s certainly worth a visit.

Foreign visitors are required to obtain a special permit to enter Sikkim. It can be obtained at the borders of Sikkim State from the State Tourism Authorities. Because of its proximity to Tibet, some areas of northern Sikkim are not accessible to foreigners, and these are also areas where many Indian military bases are located.

An airport is being built near Gangtok. Thus, to travel to Sikkim, you need to fly from Kolkata to Bagdogra – an hour’s flight – and take taxi from there to Gangtok – between four to six hours of travel, through a scenic

Architecture at the Royal Monastery mountain route bordered by a river for most of the way.

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p64-65 Travel.indd 65 2019/11/22 14:31:53 MUSIC RESONATING WITH SACRED SOUNDS MANTRAS AND MODERNITY (PART 1)

such as specialised drums, windpipes, spiral conchs and trumpets became “In all acts of singing, infused, and there is even a section of the Sangha that focuses on this there is truth; every dance Buddhist music and art form called the Leva Musicians, “Gods of Fragrance portrays reality.” and Music”.

— Mahavairocana Sutra Then, when Buddhism was introduced from India into China, the primary focus was to translate the scriptures, and the teaching of Buddhist hymns in If one were to search or google the Sanskrit took a backseat due to the large difference in the two languages. words "Buddhist Music", you are Then, in the absence of traditional hymns, monastics later adapted classical likely to find this definition, 'Buddhist folk songs along with some music commonly played to royalty and officials music is music created for or inspired in the Imperial Courts and recomposed them, setting up a collection of early by Buddhism and part of Buddhist Chinese Buddhist hymns dating as far back as the Wei dynasty (220-265 art'. It is difficult to nail down when the C.E.). And at the mention of this, we are reminded of the legend of Prince relationship between Buddhism and Cao Zhi, who was one day passing through the town of Yushan, Shandong music started because the elements Province, China where he heard a song in Sanskrit (apparently emanating in music such as sounds, dynamics from the sky). Touched and inspired by the song’s wondrous melody, he (loudness and softness), tonality memorised it and wrote The Yushan Fanbei, the first Buddhist Hymn in and pitch is inherently present in Chinese style, penning the first musical note in the development of Chinese words, mantra and sutra when Buddhist Music. they are spoken, recited, chanted or sung, be it naturally occurring Today, Buddhist Music has or constructed. Throughout history, become increasingly popular, different religions have used music especially in Buddhist as part of their religious ritual, communities, and amongst the practice and even propagation youths. So, what exactly make up and performance – they are all Buddhist Music and can we truly considered religious music. While define the aspects of it? For You some religions have very clearly Information took the opportunity defined religious music genre such to find out from Imee Ooi, a as gospel, Buddhist Music however renowned Dharma musician remains very largely diverse due and vocalist her perspectives on Buddhist Music during her recent trip to to the different traditions and also Singapore, while in preparation for her upcoming concert, in 20201. Imee, cultural influences. a multi-talent artiste, is no stranger to many Buddhists in Southeast Asia especially, with her career spanning over 2 decades as a record producer, During the time of the Maurya composer, and singer who composes and arranges music for classic Buddhist Dynasty (317-180 B.C.E.) in India, chant, mantra and dharani. She performs her compositions in Sanskrit, Pali, the powerful King Asoka was a Tibetan and Mandarin, and she has released more than 53 albums. strong advocate for Buddhism and spared no efforts in preserving What is Buddhist music to you? Buddhism and spreading its To me, Buddhist music is anything connected to the Dharma, such as texts, teachings. Thus, this period saw messages and teachings that spread Buddhism. But if you look deeper into tremendous developments in the it, it’s not just the “content”. For example, when people listen to gospel music, field of Buddhist Music such as the it’s not just about the Gospel (the Christian message) itself that is being inclusion of copper gongs, conch articulated, it is also about how it is being sung with unique expressions horns, drums, flutes and harps in that help establish this religious music as a genre on its own. These include Buddhist ceremonial music. Then, the composition, stylistics, vocals, musicality etc. that are distinct and easily as it spread to Tibet, the cultural recognised, even if you do not have any knowledge of the lyrics or content. elements of Tibetan folk dance, [Do check out 2020 January Issue for the continuation of this interview and song, music and use of instruments more details of the Prajna Paramita – Heart Sutra Concert.]

Photo Credit: Imee Ooi 1 Imee Ooi and her dedicated team, the JSJG Dharma Man’s Vocal Group, are returning to the Esplanade Concert Hall in Singapore (11 January 2020) after successfully premiering the Prajna Paramita – Heart Sutra Concert in Kuala Lumpur last year. This concert was a sold-out hit, attracting a multicultural and multi-ethnic audience of varying religious backgrounds.

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